Palazzo dei Banchi (Palace of the Banks), Bologna

The Palace of the Banks occupies the eastern side of Main Square and was the last major structure added to Bologna’s central square. Its name recalls the money changers who once conducted business at counters known as banchi. An earlier loggia was built between 1407 and 1412, but the present frontage was designed by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola, one of the leading Italian architects of the 16th century, and constructed from 1565.

Despite its appearance, this is not one unified palace. Vignola created a monumental architectural screen to conceal the irregular buildings and narrow market alleys behind it. The beautiful symmetrical façade has 15 rounded arches divided by imposing pilasters with Corinthian capitals. Two arches are larger than the others, opening into Pescherie Vecchie Street and Clavature Street. The carefully arranged Mannerist windows above help create the illusion of a single, harmonious gallery.

The arcade continues into a long portico, connecting the palace area with the Archiginnasio, once the principal seat of the University of Bologna. Visitors can step back into Main Square to appreciate the full façade before walking beneath its arches into the historic market quarter. The buildings behind the frontage now contain shops, businesses, and residences, while the nearby lanes lead toward the Archaeological Civic Museum and the Sanctuary of Holy Mary of Life.